Dispensing flowable contents from frangible packaging

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a device comprising a supported apical piercing spike oriented and stabilized in supported relation on a support adapted to be positioned within a container. The container has a hollow interior defined between a distal end and a contiguous side wall extending upwardly from the distal end to a proximal end which opens into the interior. The support means is positionable adjacent the distal end with the apical piercing spike extending within the interior, away from the distal end and towards the above mentioned opening. In use, a frangible container of goods that is introduced into the interior of the container through the opening is impaled on the piercing spike, thereby permitting the contents thereof to be released form the frangible packaging into the interior of the container.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in containers and the likeadapted for receiving the contents of frangible packaging, andespecially to improvements in releasing the contents of such packaginginto the container.

BACKGROUND OF ART

The use of frangible packaging for distribution and sale of consumerproducts at the retail level is a common practice. Perhaps one of thebest known examples of this type of packaging is the use of plastic bagsfor the packaging of fluid milk. Juice and a wide variety of otherpotable beverages are similarly packaged.

Devices intended to facilitate the opening of this kind of packaging,abound. Exemplary of such devices are the so-called "snippits" whichtypically have a short blade oriented along at least one of twoconvergent sides that bound a channel through which a portion of thepackaging is manually guided. The blade contacts the packaging andsevers a portion thereof, opening the packaging in such a way as topermit the contents to be dispensed. The contents are then poured into arigid container. Alternatively the frangible container is placed in arigid support (typically a container), opened, and the contents aredispensed from there directly.

French Patent No. A-1458519 (Berducone), Nov. 10, 1966, discloses adevice having a piercing blade centrally positioned within a cylindricaltube. The device has an open top and bottom, such that a frangiblepackage can be inserted within the tube to be pierced by the blade, soas to transfer the contents of the frangible package to anothercontainer, in the nature of a funnel.

The problem of pouring the containers from the frangible container intoa separate container is that the contents are often spilled in theprocess, especially when the packaging is for example, a relativelylight gauge polyethylene, and the contents are liquid. Although thecontents can be dispensed directly from the frangible packaging when itis supported in a container, the contents often drip down the exteriorof the packaging and lodge between it and the interior walls of thecontainer. Since the exterior of the packaging is seldom washed by theconsumer prior to being used, there is substantial risk of unwantedcontaminants finding their way into the contents that become trappedbetween the packaging and the container. This liquid can flow back upthe container when further liquid is subsequently dispensed therefromand mixes with the contents being dispensed from the packaging for thefirst time. The result is at the very least unhygienic and the potentialexists for microbiological hazard.

There continues to be a need for improved containers and means fordispensing contents from frangible packaging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device comprising supportedapical piercing means oriented and stabilized in supported relation onsupport means and adapted to be positioned within a container having ahollow interior defined between a distal end and mutually contiguousside walls extending upwardly from the distal end to a proximal endwhich opens into the interior.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provideda device comprising supported apical pierceing means oriented andstabilized in supported relation on support means and adapted to bepositioned within a container having a hollow interior defined between adistal end and mutually contiguous side walls extending upwardly fromthe distal end to a proximal end which is open to said interior.Examples of apical piercing means include by way of example, spikes(which may take the form of, for example, conical or cruciform heads),or cannular tubes or the like. The support means is positionableadjacent to the distal end of the container with the apical piercingmeans extending within the interior, away from said distal end andtowards the opening In use, a frangible container of goods is introducedinto the interior of the container through the above mentioned openingand is impaled on the piercing means, permitting the contents thereof tobe released from the frangible packaging into the interior of thecontainer.

This device affords the advantages of having the container support thefrangible packaging and directing the flow of contents releasedtherefrom between the side walls so as to confine the contents withinthe container to thereby help reduce spillage, and in the case of liquidcontents, splashing too.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention the support meansis integrally formed with the distal end and contiguous with the sidewalls. As an integral part of the dispensing container the device of thepresent invention is advantageously always to hand, and is not asreadily lost as are the above-mentioned "snippits". Moreover, the deviceis cleaned with every cleaning of the container, and is not overlookedin the same way as the "snippits" can be if they are simply returned tothe kitchen drawer or otherwise stored immediately after use by theconsumer.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a device including apical piercing means adapted to piercefrangible packaging and being supported on support means at a first endthereof which is positionable in removable relation within a container,with said apical piercing means oriented and stabilized interiorly ofsaid container in operable position therein, said support means havingsecond graspable end spaced apart from the first and adapted to extendexteriorly of said container when said first end is so positioned. Withthe first end of the support means removably positioned adjacent to thedistal end of the container, the apical piercing means preferablyextends within the interior and away from the distal end, towards theopening at the proximal end. In an especially preferred form of thisaspect of the present invention, the apical piercing means ispositionable adjacent the distal end of the container in spaced apartrelation from the side walls thereof, and the support means is adaptedto extend, from the first end thereof, generally along the base at thedistal end towards the side walls, and then adjacent the side wallsupwardly towards the proximal end, and through the opening to the secondend located exteriorly of the container.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention the apicalpiercing means is supported on a generally conical support meansoperable to spread the pierced flangible packaging and thereby enlargethe opening therein through which the contents thereof are released intothe container. This considerably expedites dispensing the contents ofthe packaging, especially in the case of non-liquids, such as largeparticulates e.g. coffee beans, ground coffee, or the like.

According to a further variation, the sides of the conical support areadapted to smoothly distribute an initial flow of the contents outwardlytowards the side walls. This arrangement helps to minimize splashing ofcontents back onto the exterior surfaces of the packaging. In the caseof particulates the cone helps to direct the contents outwardly awayfrom the hole in the packaging, and thus prevents "log-jams". In oneform of the invention, the generally conical side walls define a concavesurface intermediate the apex and base thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apical piercingmeans and support are formed from a tapering spike formed from mutuallyconverging sides of a plurality of cross pieces, preferably three andeven more preferably four in number forming a support and piercing meanshaving a cruciform cross section. In this embodiment the mutually spacedsides of the three or more cross pieces can tension the flangiblepackaging along hinge lines formed therein between adjacent pairs of thecross pieces. The weight of the contents acting across the hinge linesopen the packaging and enhance the product flow from the piercedpackage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the course of the following detailed description of preferredembodiments of the present invention reference will be made to thedrawings as appended hereto, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container for storing and dispensingvarious liquids, especially beverages, and in particular milk;

FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c are respectively, a plan view with a cover in place,a cross-sectional side elevation view, and a plan view with the coverremoved, of the container depicted in FIG. 1, with FIGS. 2b and 2cillustrating the details of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are views taken in cross-section through a container ofthe present invention, similar to the view shown in FIGS. 2b, andillustrating sequential stages of the container in use;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are views of an alternative embodiment of a container ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings depict a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention in plan view and in longitudinal cross section,respectively;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of anotherdevice of the present invention; and,

FIG. 11 is a view taken in cross-section through a containerillustrating the device shown in FIG. 10, positioned for use therein.

FIG. 12 of the drawings illustrates the present invention as it might beused in conjunction with an integrally formed, dispensing container.

FIG. 13 of the drawings illustrates the present invention as it might beused in conjunction with yet another integrally formed dispensingcontainer.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings there is shown a perspectiveview of a container 1, for storing and dispensing various liquids,especially beverages, and in particular milk. Container 1 comprises ahollow interior defined between a distal end 2, and mutually contiguousside walls 3, extending upwardly from the distal end 2, to a proximalend 4, which is open to the interior. Container further includes ahandle 7 and a pouring spout 5. Container 1, is illustrated incombination with a removable lid 6, having on mutually opposed sidesthereof, finger well depressions 6a an 6b. Intermediate these fingerwell depressions 6a and 6b is a graspable island 6c, to facilitatehandling of the lid 6. Container 1 is shaped as a laterally flattenedcylinder and has a generally oval cross-section throughout the length ofits longitudinal axis. The container 1 is also tapered inwardly slightlyfrom the proximal to the distal ends, 4 and 2 respectively.

FIG. 2a of the drawings is a plan view of container 1 shown with lid 6removably positioned in closing relation over the opening at proximalend 4.

FIG. 2b of the drawings is a cross-sectional taken along thelongitudinal axis of container 1, with lid 6 place. Lid 6 engages sidewalls 3 in frictional engagement adjacent proximal end 4. Lid 6 includesa slotted strainer 6d positioned in register with spout 5, which isuseful for, amongst other things, retaining ice cubes or relativelylarge pieces of fruit within the interior of container 1 during pouring.Also shown in FIG. 2b is a supported apical piercing means 8, orientedand stabilized in supported relation on support means 9. The supportmeans 9 is positioned adjacent the distal end 2 with the apical piercingmeans 8 extending within the interior of container 1, away from thedistal end 2, and towards said opening at proximal end 4.

FIG. 2c of the drawings is a plan view from a perspective similar tothat used in FIG. 2a, but showing instead container 1 with lid 6 removedand the interior exposed. The contours of support means 9 can be morereadily visualized from this view. In addition this Figure helps toillustrate the slight inward taper of the container from the proximal tothe distal ends, 4 and 2 respectively.

FIG. 3 of the drawings is the first in a sequence of drawings, includingFIGS. 4 and 5, showing a typical milk bag 10 as an example of afrangible container the contents of which are to be dispensed intocontainer 1. Accordingly, FIG. 3 depicts bag 10 being inserted into theopening in container 1 adjacent the proximal end 4 thereof, in thedirection indicated by the arrow marked "x". Bag 10 is insertedsubstantially as shown until is comes into contact with apical piercingmeans 8. Referring now to FIG. 4, bag 10 is shown having been pierced bymeans 8, with the hole in bag 10 having been substantially widened bythe wedge like action of support means 9. The contents of bag 10 areillustrated as flowing out of bag 10 into the interior of container 1,following an outwardly divergent path down the sides of support means 9.As shown in FIG. 5, bag 10 is lifted out of the interior of container 1in the direction indicated by the arrow marked "z", just ahead of therising liquid level as the contents are transferred from the frangiblepackaging of bag 10 and into container 1.

FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings illustrate another embodiment of thepresent invention. Container 11 is a generally cylindrical, slightlydownwardly tapered container. The container includes a distal end 2having upwardly extending contiguous side walls 3 ending adjacent aproximal end 4, in a reinforced lip for stabilizing the container andsecuring a lid thereto.

In FIG. 6, box 12 is shown partially inserted into the opening adjacentproximal end 4. Through the partially cut away view of container 11, aportion of box 12 can be seen positioned above means 8. As with theembodiment described in the preceding Figures, means 8 is supported onsupport 9. The box 12 is a frangible package containing ground coffee,and once the box 11 has been punctured by means 8, and the hole thiscreated widened by support 9, the ground coffee falls onto the sides ofthe support 9 and outwardly towards walls 3 along the sides of thatsupport. As the box 12 is further withdrawn from the interior ofcontainer 11, the balance of its contents are dispensed into container11. Once the transfer from packaging to container is complete container11 can be sealed with removable lid 13. Although not shown in thedrawings, lids useful in conjunction with the present invention can bearsurface features if desired, that are adapted to be received in registerwith the underside of containers such as container 13, and particularlyin register with the exterior surface of support means 9. In this aspectof the invention, stacked containers can be arranged in interfittingrelation for improved stability.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, there is shown asupported apical piercing means 14 arranged on a tapering support 15comprising four contiguous cross pieces 16, 17, 18 and 19. The crosspieces are joined to one another along respective first sides thereofoffset from one another at a ninety degree angles, and are each taperedfrom the base towards the apex of the support 15 along respective secondsides thereof. In addition, respective pairs of mutually opposedsurfaces extending between respective first and second sides (see 17aand 17b, for example) of each of the cross pieces also converge togetherfrom the base towards the apex of the support 15. In this way theresulting wedging action which takes place between the surfaces,especially along the respective second sides of the support enhance theopening of the frangible container. In addition, and has already beenbriefly mentioned hereinbefore, the mutually spaced apart second sidesof the cross pieces can tension the frangible packaging along hingelines (see line c shown in phantom FIG. 8) formed therein betweenadjacent pairs of the cross pieces. The weight of the contents actingacross such hinge lines on the generally triangular flap formed in thepackaging by the action of this preferred embodiment of the invention,serve to open the packaging and enhance the product flow from thepierced package.

Referring now to FIG. 10 of the drawings there is shown a device 21including apical piercing means 22 adapted to pierce frangible packagingand being supported on support means 23 at a first end 24 of the device21. Support means 23 is positionable in removable relation within acontainer (not shown in this Figure, but see FIG. 11), with the apicalpiercing means 22 oriented and stabilized in operable positioninteriorly of the container. The support means 23 has a second graspableend 25 spaced apart from the first end 24 and adapted to extendexteriorly of the container when the first end 24 is positioned thereinin the manner aforesaid. As illustrated in this figure, the apicalpiercing means 22 is supported on a generally conical support means 23,that is itself operable to spread the pierced frangible packaging andthereby enlarge the opening therein through which the contents thereofare released into the container. Moreover, the sides of the conicalsupport means 23 are adapted to smoothly distribute an initial flow ofthe packages contents outwardly towards a containers side walls.

Referring now to FIG. 11 of the drawings there is shown a crosssectional view through a container 26, for storing and dispensingvarious liquids, especially beverages, and in particular milk. Container26 comprises a hollow interior defined between a distal end 27, andmutually contiguous side walls 28, extending upwardly from the distalend 27, to a proximal end 29, which is open to the interior. Container26 further includes a handle 30 and a pouring spout 31. The container 26is tapered inwardly slightly from the proximal to the distal ends, 29and 27 respectively. With the device 21 of the present invention locatedwithin container 26, the apical piercing means 22 is positionableadjacent the distal end 27 of the container 26 in spaced apart relationfrom the side walls 28 thereof, and the support means 23 is adapted toextend, over the portion thereof indicated by reference numeral 24a,from the first end 24, generally adjacent the base of container 6 alongthe distal end 27 of the container 26, towards the side walls. Supportmeans 23 then extends upwardly, adjacent the side walls towards theproximal end, and through the opening, over the portion of support means3 indicated by reference numeral 24b, to the second end 25 locatedexteriorly of the container.

Referring now to FIG. 12 of the drawings there is shown a dispensingcontainer including an integrally formed, supported apical piercingmeans illustrated in phantom. Container 31 has an open proximal endwhich has illustrated it is closed and removably capped relation by aprimary cap 32. With cap 32 removed, the open proximal end is adapted toreceived frangible packaging in the manner earlier herein described.With the contents of the frangible packaging transferred to the interiorof container 31, and primary cap 32 resecured in capping relation overthe proximal opening, container 31 is adapted to dispense those contentsthrough a dispensing opening (not shown) in primary cap 32. Asillustrated, a secondary cap 33 is mounted in removable capping relationover said dispensing opening. In the illustrated embodiment, secondarycap 33 is also operable as a contents measuring and dispensingcontainer.

Referring now to FIG. 13 of the drawings, there is shown in raisedelevation, a supported apical piercing means of the present invention(in phantom) in conjunction with an integrally formed dispensingcontainer 34. Dispensing container 34 includes a primary cap 35,illustrated in capping relation over a proximal opening (not shown) incontainer 34. As with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, primary cap35 is removable, so that frangible packaging can be introduced throughthe proximal opening in container 34, in accordance with the methodearlier described.

With primary cap 35 secured again in capping relation over the proximalopening of container 34, the contents of container 34 can be dispensedfrom the container through a secondary cap 36, having user operablevalve means 37. Valve means 37 is of a known type typically associatedwith liquid dispensers, and especially creams, lotions or higherviscosity comestible products, such as syrups or the like.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A container having ahollow interior defined between a closed distal end and a contiguousside wall extending upwardly from the distal end to a proximal end whichis open to said interior, and supported apical piercing means orientedand stabilized in supported relation on support means positioned on saiddistal end with the apical piercing means extending within the interior,away from said distal end and towards said opening, whereby a frangiblepackage of goods that is introduced into the interior of said containerthrough said open proximal end is impaled on said piercing means,permitting the contents thereof to be released from the frangiblepackage into the interior of the container, characterized by the apicalpiercing means being supported on a tapered section of said supportmeans comprising at least three solid contiguous triangularly shapedcross pieces joined to one another along respective first sides thereof,a radially offset at an angle from one another, each said cross piecebeing tapered from a base of the support means towards the apicalpiercing means along respective second sides of the cross pieces.
 2. Thecontainer according to claim 1 comprising four cross pieces radiallyoffset from one another at an angle of about 90 degrees, to thereby forma support having a cruciform cross section.
 3. The container accordingto claim 1, wherein respective pairs of mutually opposed surfaces extendbetween respective first and second sides of each of the cross piecesalso converge together from the base towards the apical piercing meansof the support means.
 4. An improved device for use within a containerhaving a hollow interior defined between a distal end and a contiguousside wall extending upwardly from the distal end to a proximal end whichis open to said interior, wherein a frangible package of goods may beintroduced into the interior of the container through said open proximalend to be impaled on the previously inserted device, thereby permittingthe contents of the frangible package to be released from the frangiblepackage into the interior of the container, the device characterizedby:an apical piercing means oriented and stabilized in supportedrelation on a support means, the support means having a generallyconical form defined by an apex, a base and a continuous outer concavesurface intermediate said apex and said base, such that the said supportmeans is operable to spread the pierced frangible package and therebyenlarge the opening therein through which the contents of the packageare released into the container, and such that said continuous outersurface of the support means is adapted to smoothly distribute aninitial flow of contents outwardly towards the side wall of thecontainer.
 5. An improved device for use within a container having ahollow interior defined between a distal end and a contiguous side wallextending upwardly from the distal end to a proximal end which is opento said interior, wherein a frangible package of goods may be introducedinto the interior of the container through said open proximal end to beimpaled on the previously inserted device, thereby permitting thecontents of the frangible package to be released from the frangiblepackage into the interior of the container, the device characterizedby:an apical piercing means oriented and stabilized in supportedrelation on a support means, the support means having a generallyconical form defined by an apex, a base and a continuous outer concavesurface intermediate said apex and said base, such that the supportmeans is adapted to be positionable within the container with the apicalpiercing means extending within the container away from said distal endand towards said opening, and such that said support means is operableto spread the pierced frangible package and thereby enlarge the openingtherein through which the contents of the package are released into thecontainer, and such that said continuous outer surface of the supportmeans is adapted to smoothly distribute an initial flow of contentsoutwardly towards the side wall of the container.
 6. A container havinga hollow interior defined between a distal end and a contiguous sidewall extending upwardly from the distal end to a proximal end which isopen to said interior, and supported apical piercing means oriented andstabilized in supported relation on support means positioned within saidcontainer with the apical piercing means extending within the interior,away from said distal end and towards said opening, whereby a frangiblepackage of goods that is introduced into the interior of said containerthrough said open proximal end is impaled on said piercing means,permitting the contents thereof to be released from the package into theinterior of the container, characterized by said support means having agenerally conical form defined by an apex, a base and a continuous outerconcave surface intermediate the apex and base of said support means,such that said support means is operable to spread the pierced frangiblepackage and thereby enlarge the opening therein through which thecontents thereof are released into the container, and such that saidcontinuous outer surface of the support means is adapted to smoothlydistribute an initial flow of contents outwardly towards the side wallof the container.
 7. A device having apical piercing means adapted topierce a frangible package and being supported on support means at afirst end thereof which is positionable in removable relation within acontainer having a hollow interior defined between a distal end thereofand a contiguous side wall extending upwardly from the distal end to aproximal end which opens into the interior, with said apical piercingmeans oriented and stabilized in operable position; and having a secondgraspable end spaced apart from the first end and adapted to extendexteriorly of said container when said first end is so positioned; andthe apical piercing means is positionable in spaced apart relation fromthe side wall thereof, and the support means is adapted to extend fromthe first end towards the side wall, and then upwardly, adjacent theside wall towards the proximal end, and through the opening to thesecond end located exteriorly of the container, characterized by saidsupport means further comprising a generally conical portion adjacentsaid first end, said portion defined by an apex, a base and a continuousouter concave surface intermediate the apex and base of said supportmeans, such that said support means is operable to spread the piercedfrangible packaging and thereby enlarge the opening therein throughwhich the contents thereof are released into the container, and suchthat said continuous outer surface of the support means is adapted tosmoothly distribute an initial flow of contents outwardly towards theside wall of the container.